Systems and methods for transferring hydrated lenses on an automated line

ABSTRACT

A method of transferring a contact lens from a first location to a primary package includes transferring the contact lens with an intermediate transfer member to the primary package, wherein the transfer member is sealed in the primary package with the contact lens. Additionally, according to another of many exemplary embodiments, a system for transferring a contact lens to a primary package includes a contact lens and a transfer member associated with the contact lens, wherein an automated lens transfer device is configured to couple the contact lens and the lens transfer member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/923,878, filed Oct. 25, 2007, entitled “Systemand Method for Transferring Hydrated Lenses on an Automated Line,” whichapplication claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of previously-filedU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/854,875, filed Oct. 27, 2006,entitled “System and Method for Transferring Hydrated Lenses on anAutomated Line,” which applications are hereby incorporated by referencein their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, contact lens production processes include each lens beingformed by sandwiching monomer or monomer mixture between a front curve(lower) mold section and back curve (upper) mold section. The monomer ispolymerized, thus forming a lens which is then removed from the moldsections and either packaged dry or further treated in a hydration bathand packaged for consumer use.

Recent developments in the hydration and automated handling of wetcontact lenses, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,111, entitled“Automated Method and Apparatus for Hydrating Soft Contact Lenses” hasenabled automatic robotic handling of lenses during hydration, and priorto the inspection thereof by the automated lens inspection system.Additionally, a number of automated systems have been designed totransport a hydrated lens from a lens hydration pallet or bath to theprimary package in which it will be sterilized, stored, and delivered toa consuming patient. Traditionally, the automated lens transferapparatus includes a number of transfer elements including suckersconfigured to create a lens retaining vacuum which is used to maintainthe lens on the sucker during lens transfer to a primary package.Typically, a traditional primary package will include a preformedpolypropylene member or boat that will receive and contain the contactlens and a specified quantity of packaging saline. During thetraditional packaging process, the boat is charged with a measuredquantity of saline to which is added the polymerized contact lens. Oncethe lens and saline are placed within the boat, the package is closed byheat sealing a laminated foil to the top of the package.

However, traditional systems and methods for transferring hydratedcontact lenses to a primary package have suffered from a number ofshortcomings. Specifically, transferring an at least partially hydratedlens from a lens hydration bath to a primary package often resulted inthe lens inverting, slipping, sliding, or otherwise moving on the suckerapparatus. Consequently, the subsequent placement of the lens into theprimary package is less than ideal. In particular, when the preciseplacement of the lens into the primary package is critical, traditionalsystems are not adequate. Consequently, traditional lens transfer istypically performed manually or with a dry lens.

An additional shortcoming of traditional lens transfer systems andmethods is that once a lens is securely located on the sucker transferapparatus, surface tension between the lens and the sucker transferapparatus will assist in maintaining the lens on the transfer apparatus.However, successful removal of the lens from the sucker transferapparatus has to completely overcome that surface tension. Consequently,traditional systems often eject a blast of air and/or fluid from thesucker transfer apparatus to remove the lens. Often, partial retentionof the lens occurs due to the presence of surface tension between thelens and a portion of the sucker transfer apparatus. Alternatively, ifsufficient air and/or fluid are forced upon the lens to remove the lensfrom the sucker transfer apparatus, there is a potential for damage tothe lens.

SUMMARY

According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of transferring acontact lens to a primary package includes transferring both the lensand an intermediate transfer member from a first location to the primarypackage, wherein the intermediate transfer member is sealed in theprimary package with the contact lens.

Additionally, according to another of many exemplary embodiments, asystem for transferring a contact lens to a primary package includes acontact lens and an intermediate transfer member associated with thecontact lens, wherein an automated lens transfer device is configured tocouple the contact lens and the intermediate lens transfer device forplacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the presentsystem and method and are a part of the specification. The illustratedembodiments are merely examples of the present system and method and donot limit the scope of the claims. The summary and other features andaspects of the present system and method will become further apparentupon reading the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings in which

FIG. 1 illustrates a process of manufacturing contact lenses, accordingto one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a lens transfer apparatus, according to exemplaryprinciples described herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates a method for transferring both a contact lens and anintermediate transfer member to a primary package, according to oneexemplary embodiment of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an exemplary intermediate transfermember, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrate the insertion of a contact lens and anintermediate transfer member to various primary packages, according tovarious exemplary embodiments.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure details methods and system for the transfer of atleast partially hydrated contact lenses using an intermediate transfermember. More specifically, the present specification describes methodsand systems for the use of an intermediate transfer member to transferan at least partially hydrated contact lens from a hydration bath or anyother location to a primary package, wherein the transfer member isdisposed, along with the at least partially hydrated contact lens, intoa primary package.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, theterm “primary pack” shall be interpreted broadly as including anycontact lens case or packaging that receives a previously unused contactlens. Particularly, as used herein, the term primary pack shall includeany contact lens packaging used to house a previously unused contactlens prior to delivery to a user.

In the following specification, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present system and method for transferring an atleast partially hydrated lens. Reference in the specification to “oneembodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “inone embodiment” in various places in the specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As mentioned previously, the transfer of a contact lens directly with asucker or other traditional type of transfer apparatus provides a numberof adhesion difficulties. Particularly, when an at least partiallyhydrated lens is transferred from a lens hydration bath or anotherlocation to a primary package, the lens is often inverted, slips,slides, or otherwise moves on the sucker apparatus, thereby reducing thelikelihood of a repeatable transfer method. Similarly, complete andconsistent removal of an at least partially hydrated lens from atraditional type of transfer apparatus is difficult since the at leastpartially hydrated lens often remains adhered to the transfer apparatusdue to surface tension. Additionally, there is a potential for damage ofthe contact lens due to contact between the transfer apparatus and thelens itself.

The present exemplary systems and methods incorporate an intermediatelens transfer member that eliminates contact between the lens transferapparatus and the lens itself during transfer of the at least partiallyhydrated lens to a primary package. Consequently, problems associatedwith surface tension, contamination and potential damage to the lens bythe lens transfer apparatus are eliminated. Additionally, according tovarious exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the exemplaryintermediate lens transfer member may be disposed, along with the atleast partially hydrated lens, in the primary package.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary manufacturing and sterilizationprocess for contact lenses is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1, themanufacturing and sterilization of a contact lens may include a mold(103) where the desired lens is produced. According to one exemplaryembodiment, the mold (103) may be produced from any number of suitablethermoplastic polymers including, but in no way limited to,polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or polystyrene (102) that maybe shaped as needed through a mold tooling process (101).

A monomer mixture (104) may then be injected into the mold (103) to forma hydrophilic contact lens. While any number of known manufacturingmethods may be used to form the desired lens, according to one exemplaryembodiment, spin casting is used to form the monomer into the desiredlens shape in the mold. The monomer mixture is then polymerized eitherthermally or photo-chemically, thereby forming a dry lens (105). Thematerial used may include, but is in no way limited to, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) or copolymers of glycerol monomethacrylate and HEMA,or methacrylic acid and HEMA. The lens may also include a handling tint,for example, an anthroquinone dye or a copper phthalocyanine pigment.Following polymerization, the contact lens may be subjected to hydrationand other processing steps, such as quality inspection.

Once formed, the lens may, according to one exemplary embodiment, behydrated and packaged. According to one exemplary embodiment, the lensis first placed in a hydrating bath or hydration solution (106), wherethe typically brittle lens is hydrated to add pliability and reducestresses within the material. Once hydrated, the lens is transferred toits initial packaging (110). As used herein and in the appended claims,“initial” or “primary packaging” refers to the packaging in which acontact lens is placed and in which it is transported to the patient orend user who then opens the initial packaging to access and wear thelens. Consequently, initial packaging is distinguished from anysubsequent storage container that the lens may be placed in during thetime it is used by the wearer for cleaning or storage.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the packaging (110) may also include aquantity of hydration solution (106) that is used to maintain thehydration of the lens and is also used by the wearer to wet the lenswhen the initial packaging is opened and before the lens is applied tothe eye. In addition to any such hydration solution, the lens istypically packaged in a quantity of saline solution (108), also referredto as packaging solution, to maintain the lens in a moist state prior toinitial use. The saline solution (108) may also contain a suitablebuffering agent such as phosphate, borate or bicarbonate and may alsocontain a very small amount of a surfactant, such as poloaxamer 407 orlauroamphoacetate, to prevent the lens from sticking to the packaging.

As described above, the lens and packaging saline are typically placedin a container referred to as boat. The boat is then sealed with asubstrate such as a foil (107). According to one exemplary embodiment,the foil (107) includes a laminated aluminum foil configured to form aseal with the boat and prevent moisture loss from within the primarypackaging.

According to the present exemplary method, the now packaged lenses wouldthen be sterilized, such as by treatment in an autoclave (111). Oncesterilized, the packaged lens may be combined into a carton (112) orother container referred to as a secondary package (113). The secondarypackage (113) contains a quantity of identical or related lenses, e.g.,for right and left eyes. Once in the secondary packaging (113), thelenses are ready for shipping (114), for example, directly to thecustomer or wearer.

The entire process illustrated in FIG. 1 can be implemented as aflow-line process with the exception of the autoclaving (111).Obviously, a flow-line process is most efficient when operated inconjunction with automated devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary automated device that may be used totransfer an at least partially hydrated lens from a location such as ahydration bath to a primary package. While any number of automatedtransfer devices and/or configurations may be used to transfer an atleast partially hydrated lens, the present exemplary system and methodwill be described, for ease of explanation only, as being performed witha standard sucker or sucker array. According to the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2, the automated transfer apparatus includes, but isin no way limited to, a support (252) which is mounted to the lower endof a rotating shaft (254). The upper end of the shaft (254) is coupledto a rotating means (not shown) which rotates the support through 90degrees in the horizontal plane. Extending downwardly from the support(252) is an array of regularly spaced fingers (258), the tips of which(260) are hollow so that a vacuum may be drawn there through. Thisvacuum is used to securely hold the at least partially hydrated lens anda transport member during transport. The fingers (258), which are hollowso as to form a conduit through which the vacuum may be drawn, arecoupled to tubes (262), at the support (252) for the purposes ofsupplying the vacuum pressure to the finger tips (260).

According to one exemplary embodiment, the rotating shaft (254) iscoupled, through the rotating means, to a mounting platform (251). Themounting platform is, in turn, mounted to a dual axis motive means.Track (253) includes the horizontal axial component along which themounting platform translates. During operation, the assembly ispositioned above the lens hydration bath. Once the sensor elements havedetermined that an array of lenses has been at least partially hydrated,the manifold (252) and fingers (258) are lowered by the dual axis motivemeans in order to retrieve and translate the at least partially hydratedlenses.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the at least partially hydratedlenses are positioned with an intermediate lens transfer member (300;FIG. 3A) between the lens and the finger tips (260), as will bedescribed in further detail below. The fingers (258) are lowered untilthe intermediate lens transfer member is contacted. A vacuum is drawn inthe finger tips (260) once the intermediate lens transfer member iscontacted in order that a secure grip on the lens and intermediate lenstransfer member may be maintained. The manifold (252) and fingers (258)are then raised, rotated, and translated to a position above the desiredprimary package. The lens and the intermediate lens transfer member canthen be placed within the primary package and sealed for furtherprocessing and shipping to the consumer.

According to the present exemplary system and method, the use of anintermediate lens transfer member eliminates contact between thetransfer fingers (258) and the lens, thereby eliminating theabove-mentioned issues present in traditional methods. Specifically,according to one exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, theadhesive properties of an at least partially hydrated lens, such assurface tension, are beneficial in that they help to secure the lens(310) to the intermediate transfer member (300) during transport fromthe lens hydration bath (320) to the primary package (330). As shown,the tip of the finger (258) including the hollow lumen (260) contact theintermediate transfer member (300) and secure the intermediate transfermember, and consequently the lens (310), thereby facilitating theirtransfer to the primary package (330). Once properly placed above thedesired primary package (330), the vacuum created by the hollow lumen(260) is released and the intermediate transfer member (300) drops or isotherwise removed.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary system andmethod eliminate a number of disadvantages of the prior art.Specifically, according to one exemplary embodiment, the present systemand method avoid pinching the lens because the lens is never contacteddirectly by the fingers (258). Additionally, the lens is prevented fromfolding, by virtue of the shape of the intermediate transfer member.According to one exemplary embodiment, the intermediate transfer memberis a convex shaped disc. Moreover, positioning of the lens is controlledby positioning the intermediate transfer member (300). Consequently, thelens (310) and the intermediate transfer member (300) may be positionedwithout dealing with the surface tension and other issues associatedwith a hydrated lens. This exemplary method eliminates many of thesituations likely to cause damage to the lens or likely to move the lensinto an unfavorable position or loosing the lens, as are currentlypresent in traditional lens transfer systems and methods.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary transfer finger (258) having a convexhead, according to one exemplary embodiment. While an exemplary headshape of the transfer finger (258) is illustrated in FIG. 3A, any numberof head shapes configured to couple the intermediate transfer member(300) may be used. Additionally, while a vacuum coupling system isdescribed herein for ease of explanation only, any number of couplingmeans may be used to couple and de-couple the intermediate transfermember to the exemplary transfer finger (258) including, but in no waylimited to, mechanical attachment systems, ejector pins, matingfeatures, and the like.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary intermediate transfer member (300),according to one exemplary embodiment. As mentioned, the exemplaryintermediate transfer member (300) may assume any number of shapes andstructures including, but in no way limited to, a polypropylene disc,foam such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, a foil, and the like. FIG. 3Billustrates an exemplary intermediate transfer member (300) in the formof a convex polypropylene disc that may also be used as a spring discstructure. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the exemplary intermediatetransfer member may include any number of features such as orifices,protrusions, lobes, and the like. As mentioned, the exemplaryintermediate transfer member (300) may provide additional functionalityto the resulting primary package including, but in no way limited to,shape restoration, position maintenance, hydration, solution storage,and the like.

In addition to assuming any number of shapes or comprising differentmaterials, the exemplary intermediate transfer member (300) may alsoinclude any number of features or receive any number of treatments tofacilitate the simultaneous transfer of the intermediate transfer member(300) and an at least partially hydrated lens. According to oneexemplary embodiment, the intermediate transfer member (300) may includeprotrusions, recesses, or any other feature that may facilitate couplingof the exemplary transfer finger (258; FIG. 3A) to the transfer member.Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, the surface of theintermediate transfer member (300) may receive a surface treatment inorder to increase the surface energy of the transfer member. Accordingto one exemplary embodiment, an increase in the surface energy of theintermediate transfer member (300) will facilitate or enhance thefunctional adhesion of an at least partially hydrated lens to thesurface thereof. Any number of surface treatments may be performed onthe intermediate transfer member (300) including, but in no way limitedto, corona discharge, flame treatment, plasma treatment, or any othersimilar known surface treatment.

Further, while FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary intermediate transfermember (300) as a disc having a convex shape, any number of intermediatetransfer members may be incorporated by the present exemplary system andmethod including, but in no way limited to, a polypropylene disc, a foamincluding a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam, a foil, and the like.Additionally, the intermediate transfer member may assume any number ofshapes and/or sizes including, but in no way limited to, a flat disc, acurved disc, a lobed member, a sphere, a hemisphere, a nippled member,or any number of symmetrical or irregular shapes having flat and/orarcuate surfaces. Further details of polypropylene discs and/or foamsubstrates may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,526, U.S. Pat. App. Ser.Nos. 10/781,321; 60/832,324; and 11/404,200, which references areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

As mentioned above, the present exemplary intermediate transfer member(300) is, according to one exemplary embodiment, finally disposed in theprimary package (330) and is either sealed within the primary packagewith the contact lens (310) or alternatively, is coupled to the primarypackage with a surface of the intermediate transfer member on theinternal portion of the primary package. FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrateexemplary primary packages (330) receiving an at least partiallyhydrated lens (310) and an intermediate transfer member (300), accordingto various exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates a lens (310) and an intermediate transfer member(300) being placed in the back of a substrate member (400) that ispeelingly sealed on an opposing side by a foil (410). As shown,placement of the intermediate transfer member (300) within the orificedefined by the substrate (400) will likely compress the lens (310).According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, placement of theintermediate transfer member (300) is critical to preventing pinching orother damage of the lens (310) as it is compressed into the relativelyshallow orifice. Consequently, the present exemplary system and methodare ideal for the present assembly. Further details of the substrateprimary package illustrated in FIG. 4A are provided in U.S. Pat. App.No. 60/832,324 titled “Duo Packaging for Disposable Soft Contact LensesUsing a Substrate,” which reference is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. Once the exemplary lens (310) and the intermediatetransfer member (300) are placed within the orifice defined by thesubstrate member (400), another foil or other barrier layer may then bepermanently sealed to the rear portion of the substrate, thereby sealingthe exemplary lens (310) and transfer member (300) within the definedorifice. Subsequently, access to contact lens (310) by the lens weareris achieved by peeling back foil (410).

Turning now to FIG. 4B, the intermediate transfer member (300) and thecontact lens (310) may both be placed in a sachet type primary packagemade of a foil substrate (410). As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the lens(310) and the intermediate transfer member (300) may both be disposed onthe foil (410) and another foil (not shown) may then be placed over thelens and transfer member, where they are sealed and prepared forsterilization. Alternatively, the single foil (410) may be doubled backupon itself and sealed along the edges to create the sachet type primarypackage. Further details of the exemplary primary package and sealingmethod illustrated in FIG. 4B can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,526,U.S. Pat. App. Nos. 10/781,321 and 11/404,200, which references areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the present exemplary systems andmethods may be used to place an intermediate transfer member (300) and acontact lens (310) into a primary package that does not compress thelens. Rather, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4C, theintermediate transfer member (300) may form a top or bottom of a boat(430) containing solution (420) and including a foil opening system, asis known in the prior art. Specifically, as shown, a traditional boatmay be formed with the bottom surface removed, thereby leaving aprotruding wall (435). As shown, the intermediate transfer member (300)and the contact lens may then be placed within the protruding wall(435), causing the intermediate transfer member to be coupled to theprotruding wall (435). In this exemplary embodiment, the intermediatetransfer member (300) may then be securely coupled to the protrudingwall (435) forming the bottom surface of the boat. Once inverted, thesolution (420) will then hydrate the lens (310). Alternatively, a lens(310) may be transferred with an intermediate transfer member (300) thatforms the top sealing member of the boat, such as a polymer or foilsubstrate.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4D, the intermediate transfermember (300) and a lens (310) may be disposed in a traditional boat(450) followed by a traditional sealing member (not shown).Specifically, in contrast to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4C, thetransfer member (300) illustrated in FIG. 4D does not form the bottom ortop of the boat (450). Rather, the intermediate transfer member (300)and lens (310) can be inserted into the boat (450) in a desiredorientation, followed by the placement of a barrier layer such as a foilsubstrate. The substrate may then be sealed to the boat (450),hermetically sealing the transfer member and the lens (310).

In conclusion, the present exemplary manufacturing system and methodincorporate an intermediate lens transfer member that eliminates contactbetween the lens transfer apparatus and the lens itself. Consequently,problems associated with surface tension, contamination and potentialdamage to the lens by the lens transfer apparatus are eliminated.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate anddescribe embodiments of the exemplary systems and methods. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the systems and methods to anyprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching.

1. A method of transferring a contact lens to a primary package,comprising: presenting a lens transfer apparatus; providing anintermediate transfer member; engaging said contact lens with saidintermediate transfer member; and transferring said lens and saidintermediate transfer member to said primary package with said lenstransfer apparatus, wherein said intermediate transfer member isdisposed between said lens transfer apparatus and said contact lensduring said transfer.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein saidintermediate transfer member is coupled to said lens transfer apparatusduring said transferring of said lens.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid intermediate transfer member is sealed in said primary package withsaid contact lens.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said intermediatetransfer member comprises a foil.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein saidintermediate transfer member comprises a disc.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein said intermediate transfer member comprises a foam.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said intermediate transfer member comprisesan arcuate surface.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring saidcontact lens with an intermediate transfer member comprises: couplingsaid contact lens to said intermediate transfer member; coupling saidintermediate transfer member to said lens transfer apparatus;translating said lens transfer apparatus to said primary package; anddispensing said contact lens and said intermediate transfer member intosaid primary package.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said contactlens is coupled to said intermediate transfer member by a surfacetension.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said intermediate transfermember is coupled to said lens transfer apparatus by one of a vacuum ora mechanical interference.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein saidintermediate transfer member comprises a bottom of a primary package.12. The method of claim 1, wherein said intermediate transfer membercomprises a top of a primary package.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid transferring said contact lens with an intermediate transfer memberto said primary package comprises: providing a substrate member definingan orifice, wherein said substrate member includes a front surface and afirst barrier member peelably sealed to said front surface; disposingsaid contact lens and said intermediate transfer member into saidorifice from a back side of said substrate member; and coupling a secondbarrier member to said backside of said substrate member hermeticallysealing said contact lens and said intermediate transfer member in saidorifice.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said coupling a secondbarrier member to said backside of said substrate member compresses saidcontact lens and said intermediate transfer member in said orifice. 15.The method of claim 1, further comprising treating a surface of saidintermediate transfer member to increase a surface energy of saidintermediate transfer member.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein saidstep of treating a surface of said intermediate transfer membercomprises treating said surface of said intermediate transfer memberwith one of a corona discharge treatment, a flame treatment, or a plasmatreatment.
 17. A method of transferring a contact lens to a primarypackage, comprising transferring said lens with an intermediate transfermember to said primary package; wherein said transferring said contactlens with an intermediate transfer member to said primary packageincludes: providing a portion of said primary package including at leasta first barrier member; disposing said contact lens and saidintermediate transfer member onto said barrier member; and coupling asecond barrier member to said portion of said primary package includinga first barrier member to hermetically seal said contact lens and saidintermediate transfer member in said primary package.
 18. A system fortransferring a contact lens to a primary package, comprising: an atleast partially hydrated contact lens; a transfer member associated withsaid contact lens; and an automated transfer device; wherein saidautomated transfer device is configured to selectively couple saidcontact lens and said transfer member for delivery to said primarypackage; and wherein said transfer member is disposed between saidcontact lens and said automated transfer device when said contact lensand said transfer member are selectively coupled by said automatedtransfer device.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein said automatedtransfer device comprises a transfer finger.
 20. The system of claim 18,wherein said transfer member comprises a foil.
 21. The system of claim18, wherein said transfer member comprises one of a disc or a foammember.
 22. The system of claim 18, wherein said transfer fingercomprises: a body; and a vacuum lumen traversing said body.
 23. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein said automated transfer device is configuredto selectively couple said contact lens and said transfer member by amechanical interference fit.
 24. The system of claim 18, wherein saidautomated transfer device is configured to selectively couple saidcontact lens and said transfer member via surface tension.
 25. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein said automated transfer device is configuredto selectively couple said contact lens and said transfer member via avacuum.